Your Diabetes Risk

Are You at Risk?

The following weight chart is based on a measure called the Body Mass Index (BMI). The chart shows UNHEALTHY weights for men and women age 35 or older at the listed heights. At risk weights are lower for individuals under the age of 35.

Height Without Shoes

WeightWithout Shoes

4'10"

129

4'11"

133

5'0"

138

5'1"

143

5'2"

147

5'3"

152

5'4"

157

5'5"

162

5'6"

167

Height Without Shoes

WeightWithout Shoes

5'7"

172

5'8"

177

5'9"

182

5'10"

188

5'11"

193

6'0"

199

6'1"

204

6'2"

210

6'3"

216

Diabetes Risk Assessment Test

Read each statement, then write in the points next to each one that is true for you. If a statement is not true, put a zero. When you are done, add the points to get your total score.

If you are of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander descent, pay special attention because diabetes is more common in these ethnic groups.

My weight is equal to or above that listed for my height in the weight chart above.

+5 ____

I am under 65 years of age and get little or no exercise during a usual day

+5 ____

I am between 45 and 64 years of age

+5 ____

I am 65 years of age or older

+9 ____

I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth

+1 ____

I have a sister or a brother with diabetes

+1 ____

I have a parent with diabetes

+1 ____

Total points

______

If you scored 10 or more points, you are at high risk for having diabetes and should visit your doctor to be tested. You should also be aware of the warning signs and symptoms:

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Slow-healing wounds

Tingling in the toes or feet

The symptoms alone may not suggest the disease, but when two or more symptoms are combined, testing is recommended

If you scored 3 - 9 points, you are probably at low risk for having diabetes. However, new guidelines recommend everyone age 45 and over consider being tested for diabetes every three years. If you are at high risk, you should consider being tested at a younger age.

Whether you are at high or low risk for diabetes, finding out more about the disease could someday help you or someone you love. If you have any questions about diabetes or would like more information about our programs, please call the the FMH Diabetes Center at 240-379-6045 or you may e-mailDiabetesatWellness@fmh.org.